Santa has his list of "naughty or nice" to check between now and Dec. 24. But children the world over have their own way to count down the days to Christmas: Reindeer Cam.
Reindeer Cam gives viewers 24/7 access to two of Santa's key helpers — code-named June Bug and Abby for most of the year — while they hang out at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory over the holidays.
Zoo officials say the reindeer are living in St. Paul because the North Pole has gotten too "Claus-trophobic" this time of year.
Viewers can peek in on the reindeer from any device at http://www.apl.tv/reindeer. They might even catch a glimpse of the arctic fox that lives next door. The Reindeer Cam holiday habitat includes a Christmas-themed barn complete with a live Advent calendar and a map detailing Santa's delivery route on Christmas Eve.
It is the third year for Reindeer Cam on Animal Planet L!VE. Viewers will even be able to check out the Jolly Old Elf himself when he comes to visit and feed June Bug and Abby on Friday, Dec. 18; Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. each day.
"On Dec. 24, they disappear," said Matt Reinartz, a Como Zoo spokesman. "They're gone. We don't know where they go. But, on Dec. 26, they're back — a little tired, and with a little twinkle in their eyes."
Reindeer Cam is one of more than 20 live animal cams hosted on Animal Planet L!VE, which grants viewers access to the animal kingdom from sites around the globe.
